UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier - Review and Results

UFC 187 was an entertaining affair

The stacked UFC 187 card delivered big time. Despite a bit underwhelming preliminary card, the main card was filled with terrific action from the card opener to the main event. We saw Daniel Cormier crowned as the new light heavyweight champion in the main event and a successful and very dominant title defense by Chris Weidman in the co main event of the evening. 

The back and forth Heavyweight slobber knocker between Andrei Arlovski vs. Travis Browne was awarded the ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus. While the new LHW champion Daniel Cormier and undisputed MW champion Chris Weidman got ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses for finishing their fights impressively.

 

PRELIMINARY CARD : (Fox Sports 1 / UFC FIGHT PASS)

• Justin Scoggins def. Josh Sampo via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
• Islam Makhachev def. Leo Kuntz via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:38 of Round 2 
• Colby Covington def. Mike Pyle via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
• Rose Namajunas vs. Nina Ansaroff Fight cancelled 
• Rafael Natal def. Uriah Hall via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Dong Hyun Kim def. Josh Burkman via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:13 of Round 3
• John Dodson def. Zach Makovsky via unanimous decision (29-28 x3) 

 

Benavidez defeated Moraga via decision

Joseph Benavidez def. John Moraga via unanimous decision (30-27 x3).

In the main card opener, Moraga landed an early high kick but Benavidez tagged Moraga and appeared to knock him down and immediately assumed dominant top control. Benavidez went to work from top position and maintained side control. Moraga escaped the bad spot and all the submission attempts. As both men tangled along the cage for position Moraga almost lateral dropped Benavidez but Benavidez scrambled and tried to hip toss Moraga but almost gave up his back in the process. A thudding slam by Benavidez had Benavidez in control along the bottom of the cage.

In Round 2 both looked bit cautious but Moraga started tagging Benavidez with his kicks and counterstriking, It was looking like Moraga is gaining some momentum but a cut opened up via accidental headbutt at the top of Moraga's head and Benavidez wasted no time and took Moraga down along the fence. Benavidez worked his way back into side control, throwing stiff short elbows into the side of Moraga's head and later into his face. 

Moraga, who knew he was down on the judges’ scorecards, came out throwing bombs and Benavidez replied. Both men traded heavy leather and wild strikes but Moraga arguably had the better success but it was a furious back and forth exchange. Soon Benavidez was able to take over with another takedown into side control. Benavidez rode out the remaining 2 minutes maintaining top position and throwing strikes to rain down the punishment. 

 

Arlovski beat Browne via TKO

Andrei Arlovski def. Travis Browne via TKO (punches) at 4:41 of Round 1. 

Who would have thought that in 2015, in one of the most memorable rounds of HW history Arlovksi will emerge not only as the victor but as a title contender in UFC HW division.

Arlovski got the action started, an early combination forced Browne backwards, he tagged him and Browne appeared to be in serious trouble. Browne retreated and Arlovksi swarmed, but he was somehow able to weather the violent storm. Browne appeared to clear the cobwebs, another backfist later on in the round dropped Browne and had him in massive trouble.

Browne got back to his feet, somehow, and out of nowhere Browne floored Arlovski with a huge right hand. But Arlovski recovered and proceeded to continue his assault on a wobbly Browne. A huge uppercut had Browne out on his feet and a big right hand followed forced the referee to intervene.